Kite



Jan 31, 1928 l F. OWENS 68,006

KITE

Filed Jan. 1927 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 INVENTOR WITNESSES Fran/76 Owezw BY ATTORNEY Jan. 31, 1928. 1,658,006.

F. OWENS KITE Filed Jan. 31 1927 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 10 a INVENTOR T710276 Owens.

WITNESSES en states Fame (that FRANK OVJENS, F KEYPOET, NEW JERSEY.

."KITE.

Application filed. January 31, 192?. SeriaI No. 164,919.

This invention relates to kites and is in the nature of an improvement upon my prior United States Letters Patent No. 1,286,078, issued November 26, 1918.

One of the principal objects of the present invention resides in an improved kite structure which in addition to providing a steady flying kite, allows for the knocking-r down and rolling up of the same into an extremely compact arrangement for storage or transportation without disassembling or disconnectingthe elements thereof, thereby greatly facilitating the proper setting up of the kite foruse.

The invention furthermore comprehends an improved kite structure in which the planing surfaces are accurately balanced and include head and tail keel fins co-operating therewith to add to the steadiness of flight, the said keel. fins being; simultaneously collapsed and foldable without disconnection from the kite structure.

. The invention furthermore embodies simple and effective means for stretching and tensioninnthe planing surfaces and keel fins simultaneously.

.As a further object the invention resides in the provisioi'i of a bridle which is attached in a novel manner to assist in maintaining the planingsurfaees and keel fins in a stretched. or taut condition.

The invention furthermore resides in the features of simplicity of construction, economy ofproduction and the general efliciency derived therefrom.

With the above recited and other objects in view, reference is had to the following specification and accompanying drawings in which there is exhibited one example or embodimentof the invention which is in no way intended as a limitation upon the scope of the appended claims as it is tobe clearly understood. that variations and modifications which properly fall w1th1n the scope of said claims may be resorted to when found expedient.

lfn the drawings- Figure 1 a top plan view of the kite in.

set-up condition;

in. 2 is a side view showing the approximate flying position of the kite;

3 is a perspective view of the kite in flying position;

collapsed Fig; 5 is a similar View of the kite col lapsed and partially rolled;

Fig. 6 is a view of the kite collapsed and completely rolled for storage or transportation; 1

Fig. 7 is a. fragmentary detail side view on an enlar red scale illustrating the manner in which the rear planing surface and fin are stretched and tensioned by. the securing cord; 1

F 8 a detail fragmentary sectional view illustrating the slit end of one of the longitudinal sticks with. which the securing cord engaged;

Fig. 9 is a detail fragmentary sectional view taken approximately on the line 9-9 of Fig. 1, illustrating the manner of connectine; the forward transverse and longitudinal sticks for stretching and maintain ing the forward main planing surface in a taut condition;

Fig. 10 is a detail transverse sectional view taken approximately on the line 10-10 of Fig. 2, illustratingthe pivotal connection between the longitudinal sticks.

Referring to the drawings by characters of reference, the kite includes av pair of longitudinal substantially identical sticks 10 and. 11. which are permanently pivotally connected at 12 at approximately the center of their length. A transverse rear stick 13 of slightly less length than the longitudinal sticks, is pivoted intermediate its length to the longitudinalstickdl, atl l, preferably by means of a cotter pin which is spaced forwardly of the pivot 12 and-disposed at a rigglit angle; the axis of the said pivot 14 beine disposed at a right angle to the axis of the pivot 12. A strip of flexible material "15 of cloth, fabric, paper, or the like,

to the rear. transverse stick 13. The strip- 15 is preferably secured to the under surface of the transverse sticks 13 and 16, so that it is interposed between the. longitudinal stick 11 and the transverse sticks 13 and 16,

respectively when the kite is set up. The transverse sticks 13 and 16 are longitudinally bowed in an upward direction as particularly illustrated in. Fig. 3 to present a substantially transversely convex under side, and a substantially transversely concave upper side to the main planing surface of the-kite. The stick 11 in rearwardly spaced relation to its forward end and at a point approximately equal to the stretched width of the strip 15, is formed with a vertical aperture 17, while the forward transverse stick 16 and the strip of material 15 are formed with a coinciding aperture 18 to receive a suitable fastening element 19 preferably a cotter pin, which is insertable through the alined apertures to stretch or tension and maintain the main planing surface in a taut condition. A rear planing surface defining element 20 consisting of a substantially triangular strip of flexible material is provided which is preferably, although not necessarily, integral withv the strip of material 15. The forward edge of the strip or element 20 is of less length than the length of the stick 13 and the rear edge of the main planing surface defining elenient15 and the opposite ends of said edge are equidistantly spaced from the opposite ends of the stick 13 and the strip 15. The side edges 21 of the strip or element 20 converge rearwardly to a point or apex 22 and said edges are of a slightly lesser length than the forward edge of the strip or element 20 so that the point or apex 22 is spaced forwardly of the rear end of the stick or sticks 10 and 11 approximately the same distance that the forward edge of the main planing surface defining element 15 is spaced in rear of the forward end of the stick 11'. The sticks 10 and 11 adjacent the forward and rear ends are connected by front and rear strips 23 and 24; which have parallel front and rear edges and converging and diverging upper and lower edges respectively. The keel strips limit the relative separation of the stick ends 10 and 11 due to the fact that their converging and diverging edges are permanently securedor attached to the sticks. The rear edge 25 of theforward keel strip 23 is disposed at a point in rear of the front edge of the main front planing defining element 15, while the front edge 26 of the forward keel strip is disposed in advance of the front edge of the said main planing element 15, and the front edge 22 of the rear keel strip 24ris disposed at a point in advance of the point or'apeX 22 of the rear planing surface 21. Whilethe rear edge 28 is disposed in rear of the point or apex 22. In order to provide a common means for stretching or tension ing and maintaining the rear planing surface defining element 20 and the keel strips 23 and 24 in a taut condition, the apex or point 22 has secured thereto a securing cord 29 which is preferably, although not necessarily, double ended cord as illustrated. The rear end of the longitudinal stick 10 is bifurcated or slit at 30 to provide a pair of furcations 31, between which the securing cord is adapted to be trained and drawn to stretch or tension and maintain the rear planing EllliJQG defining element and keel strips. After being drawn and pulled between the furcations, the remainder of the cord is preferably wrapped around the furcations as illustrated in Fig. 7, and the terminal of the cord is inserted between the upper face of the stick 11 and the portion of the securing cord which overlies the same to secure and maintain the cord in the slot between the furcations and to secure and maintain the element 20 and strips 21 and in a taut condition.

The bridle in the nature of a. flexible ole rnent, such as a cord 32, has its forward end 33 attached to the forward end of the stick 10 and has its rear end 34 attached to the stick 11 at a point substantially intermediate the rear end and the pivot 12. A loop 37 formed by knotting the bridle cord :32, is arranged at the desired position to obtain the best or desired results and it should be observed. that the bridle of such length that when stretched it will not be disposed be yond the side edges of the main planing surface defining element. It will further be observed that due to the manner in which the forward and rear ends of the bridle are con nected to the sticks 10 and 11, a pull exerted by the brid'le on the sticks when the kite is 'flying g will tend to further assist in stretching ant maintaining the planing surface defining element :20 and the keel strips 23 and 2f in a taut condition. If desired. in order to einforce the side edges of the element 20 and the upp and lower edges 0 I the keel. strips as well as any of the other edges of the fabric or material of the planing surfaces. adhesive tape 3-36 or hcms mar be formed.

Assuming that the kite is set up as illustrated in Figs. 1. 2 and 3. and it desired to knock down the same, the securing string is umrrapped and disengaged from the bifur cated end of the strip 10. This permits of the swinging of the same on the pivot 12 to a parallel position alongside of ach other as illustrated in Fig. l. The cotter pin 19 is then disengar etlv from the aperture 17 and the are spread to hold the same associated with the stick in and strip 15. The t'ansverse stick 1?, may now he swung on its pivot 14- to a positirni parallel to the ionizi-- tudinal sricl-Is 10 and 11.. This disposes the element and the train-worse stick 16 parallel. to the ltmgitudina'l sticks 10 and 11. and the bridle 32 may he laid within the confines of the planing surface defining element lie 15. The stick 16 is now rolled within the element 15 until the roll thus formed lies alongside of and is parallel to the sticks 10, 11 and 13. The triangular planing suritace defining element 10 may now be wrapped about the roll and the sticks while the two ends of the securing cord are wrapped around this assemblage in opposite directions and tied to form a bow knot to hold the collapsed or knocked down and rolled kite in a compact arrangement as illustrated in Fig. 6. Assuming the kite to be knocked down and rolled up as illustrated in Fig. 6, the

operation of setting the same up is reversed and requires merely the unrolling, turning or swinging of the stick 13 to a right angle to the sticks 10 and 11, initially engaging the cotter pin in the aperture 17 and then stretching the element QO'a-nd the keel strips 23 and 24 by engaging and tying the securing cord 29.

- WVhat is claimed is:

1. A kite including a frame comprising a pair of longitudinal stickshaving an ap proximate central pivotal. connection, a re: r transverse stick having a, central pivotal. connection with one of the longitudinal sticks in advance of and with the pivotal axis at a right angle to the aXis of said pivotal con nection between the longitudinal sticks whereby to permit of the disposal of the transverse stick alongside of and parallel to the longitudinal sticks when the kite is collapsed. i

2. A kite including a frame comprising a pair of longitudinal sticks having an approximate central pivotal connection, a rear transverse stick having a central pivotal connection with one of the longitudinal sticks in advanceof and with the pivotal axis at a right angle to the axis of said pivotal con nection between the longitudinal sticks whereby to permit of the disposal of the transverse stick alongside of and parallel to the longitudinal sticks when the kite is collapsed, a flexible planing surface defining ele ment attached along its rear edge to said rear transverse stick, a forward transverse stick attached to the front. edge of said planing surface defining element, detachable means of connection between the front transverse stick and the longitudinal stick to which the rear transverse stick is pivoted, for stretcl'itransverse stick alongside of and parallel to the longitudinal sticks when the kite is collapsed, a flexible planing surface defining element attached along its rear edge to said rear transverse stick, a forward transverse stick attached to the front edge of said .plan ing surface defining element, detachable means of connection between the front transverse stick and the longitudinal stick to which the rear transverse stick pivoted, for stretching and maintaining the planing surface defining element taut, and flexible front and rear keel strips attached along the upper and lower edges respectively, to the front and rear ends of the longitudinal sticks. p

i 4,. A kite including a frame comprising a pair of longitudinal sticks having an ap proximate central pivotal connection, a rear transverse stick having a central pivotal connection with one of the longitudinal sticks in advance of and with the pivotal axis at a right angle to the axis of said pivotal con nection between the longitudinal sticks whereby to permit of the disposal of the transverse stick alongside of and parallel to the longitudinal sticks when the kite is ool lapsed, a flexible planing surface defining element attached along its rear edge to said rear transverse stick, a forward transverse stick attaohedto the front edge of said planing surface defining element, detachable means of connection between the front transstrips and for maintaining the same taut.

5. A kite including a frame comprising a pair of longitudinal sticks having an approximate central pivotal connection, a rear transverse stick having a central pivotal connection with one of the longitudinal sticks in advance of and with the pivotal axis at a right angle to the axis of said pivotal connection between the longitudinal sticks whereby to permit of the disposal of the transve "se stick alongside of and parallel. to the longitudinal sticks when the kite is collapsed, a flexible planing surface defining element attached along its rear edge to said rear transverse stick, a forward transverse stick attached to the front edge of said planing surface defining element, detachable means of connection between the front transverse stick and the longitudinal MS (a bowed laterally uiwaiid to present an under tie upper and lower cd 'es stick to which the rear t'ansverse stick is pivoted, for stretchingand maintaining the planing surface defining element taut, flexible front and rear keel strips attached along 3 respectively to the front and rear ends Of 1c longitudinal sticks a rear flexible planing surface defining element, and a securing means connected thereto at the rear thereof and'adapted for detachable engagement with the rear end of one of the longitudinal sticks to constitute a common 11 cans r rear planing," surface defining element and the keel strips and for maintaining the same taut, the sari transverse sticks being;-

laterally convex race and an upper lateral ly concave "ace to the front surface delining element.

6. kite including a frame (ffllnl'fl'lfalllg a pair of longitudinal sticks having an ap proximate central pivotal connection a rear transverse stick having a central pivotal onnection with one of the l 7 cudinal sticks inadvance of and with the pivotal axis at a right angle to the l Xis of said pivotal connection bet-ween the longitiulinal sticks; whereby to permit of the disp of the transverse stick alongside of and parallel to the longitudinal sticks when the kite is collapsed, a rectangular flexible planing surface defining element attached alone rear ed to said rear transverse stick a forward transverse stick attached to th front edge of said planing surface defining; ele nent, detachable means of coiniection between the front transverse stick ant the l stick is pivoted, for stretching ing the planing surface dc ining elei 1 taut, flexible front and rear keel strips tached along the upper and lower edges respectively to the front and rear ends of the longitudinal sticks, a rear triangular flexible ll l lanin surface definin element and a sea as right angle to the axis of said pivotal connection between the longitudinal sticks whereby to permit of the disposal oi. the transverse stick alongside of and parallel to the longitudinal sticks when the kite is collapsed a flexible planing surface defining element attached along its rear edge to said r stretching the rear transverse stick, a forward transverse stick attached to the front edge of said planing surface defining elcn'ient, detachable means of connection between the front llflllSVQl'S. stick and the longitudinal stick to which the rear t'ansverse stick is pivoted, for stretching and maintainiluy the planing surface defining clement taut, said detachable means of connection con sistuigr of registrable aperturcd portions medially of the front tranrtsversc stick and adjacent the forward end of the longitudinal stick to which the rear transverse stick is pivoted and a cotter pin iusertablc time through.

8. A kite including a frame comprising a pair of longitudinal sticks having an approximate cent 'al pivotal connection, a rear transverse stick having a central pivotal con nection with one of the longitudinal sticks in advance of and with the pivotal axis at a riggght angle to the axis of said pivotal connection between the longitudinal sticks whereby to permit of the di:,-:p n-;al of the transverse stick alongside of and parallel to the longitudinal sticks when the kite collapsed. a flexible planing surface defining element attached along; its rear edge to said rear transverse stick, a forward transverse stick attached to the front edge of said planing surface defining clement detachable means of connection between the front transverse stick and the loiugitutlinal stick to which the rear transverse stick is pivoted. for stretching and maintaining the planing surface defining: element taut, and llcxible front and rear keel strips attached alongr the upper and lower edges respectively to the front and rear ends of the longitudinal sticks, a rear triangular flexible planing surface defining element having a lateral straight forward talgc secured to the rear transverse stick and having rcar\ 'ardly converging side edges terminating in an apex, and a securing means connected to said apex and adapted for detachable engagement with the rear end of the other longitudinal stick to constitute a common means for stretching the rear planing surface defining element and the keel strips and for maintaining the same in tautcondition.

9. A kite including: a frame comprising a pair of longitudinal sticks luiving;- an approximate central pivotal connection with one of the longitudinal sticks in advance of and with the pivotal axis at a right angle to the axis of said pivotal connection between the longitudinal sticks wherebv to permit of the disposal of the t ansverse stick alongside of and parallel to the longitudinal sticks when the kite is collapsed, a flexible planing surface defining element attached along its rear edge to said rear transverse stick, aforward transverse stick attached to the front edge of said planing surface defining elelllfi lilll planing surface defining element having a lateral straight forward edge secured to the rear transverse stick and having rearwar'dly converging side edges terminating in an apex, and a securing means connected to said apex and adapted for detachable engagement -with the rear end of the other longitudinal stick to constitute a common means for stretching the rear planing surface defining element and the keel strips and for maintaining the same in taut condition, the said securing means consisting of a cord having a pair of free ends, the rear end of said other longitudinal stick being bifurcated for receiving said cord ends which are adapted to be wrapped about the bifurcated portion.

10. A kite including a frame comprising a pair of longitudinal sticks having an approximate central pivotal connection with one of thelongitudinal sticks in advance of and with the pivotal axis at a right angle to the axis of said pivotal connection between the longitudinal sticks whereby to permit of the disposalof the transverse stick alongside of and parallel to the longitudinal sticks when the kite is collapsed, a flexible planing surface defining element attached along its rear edge to said reartransverse stick, a forward transverse stick attached to the front edge of said planing surface defining element, detachable means of connection be tween the front transverse stick and the longitudinal stick to which the rear transverse stick is pivoted, for stretching and maintaining the planing surface defining element taut,-flexible front and rear keel strips attached along the upper and lower edges re spectively to the front and rear ends. of the longitudinal sticks, a rear triangular flexible laning surfacedefining element having a ateral straight forward edge secured to the rear transverse stick and having rearwardly converging side edges terminating in an apex, and a securing means connected to said apex and adapted for detachable engagement with the rear end of the other longitudinal stick to constitute a common means for stretching the rear planing surface defining element and the keel strips andfor maintaining the same in ta ut condition, the said securing means consistlng of a cord having a pair of free ends, the rear end of said other longitudinal stickbeing bifurcated for receiving said cord ends which are adapted to be wrapped about the bifurcated portion, the said free ends of the cord also serving as means for embracing, tying and holding the kite compactly collapsed and rolled.

ll. A kite including a frame comprising a pair of longitudinal sticks having an approximate central pivotal connection, a rear transverse stick having a central pivotal connection with one of the longitudinal sticks in advance of and with the pivotal axis at a right angle to the axis of said pivotal connection between the longitudinal sticks whereby to permit of the disposal of the t'ansverse stick alongside of and parallel to the longitudinal sticks when the .kite is collapsed, a flexible planing surface defining element attached along its rear edge to said rear transverse stick, a forward transverse stick attached to the front edge of said planing surface defining element, detachable means of connection between the front transverse stick and the longitudinal stick to which the rear transverse stick is pivoted, for stretching and maintaining the planing surface defining elementtaut, flexible front and rear keel strips attached along the upper and lower edges respectively to the front and rear ends of the longitudinal sticks, a rear flexible planing surface defining element, and a securing means connected thereto at the rear thereof and adapted for detachable engagementwith the rear end of one of the longitudinal sticks to constitute a common means for stretching and rear planing surface defining element and the keel strips and for maintaining the same taut, the said keel strips having the front and rear edges thereof respectively disposed in advance and in rear of the front edge of the forward planing surface defining element and in front and in rear of the rear end of the rear planing surface defining element.

'12. Akite, including a flexible oblong front planing surface defining element of greater transverse dimension than its longitudinal dimension and a rear flexible planing sur face defining element of triangular configuration having a straight transverse forward edge of less length than the width of the front planing surface defining element and joining the rear edge of the same, having converging side edges meeting to form an apex; and a frame consisting of a transverse forward stick attached to the forward edge of the front planing surface defining element, a rear transverse stick attached to the rear edge of the front planing surface defining element and to the front edge of the rear planing surface defining element, said frame further including a longitudinal stick having pivotal connection with the center of the rear transverse stick and having detachable connection with the front trans verse stick to stretch and maintain the front planing surface defining element taut and to permit when the front transverse stick is detached, the rolling up ofsaid front stick in the front surface defining element, to a position parallel to and alongside the rear transverse stick, whereby said sticks and the rolled element may be swung to a position parallel to and alongside the longitudinal stick. the said framework also including a second 'longitudinal stick having pivotal con-- nection to the first-mentioned longitudinal stick at approximately the center of said sticks with the axis of said pivotal connection at a right angle to the axis of the pivotal connection between the rear transverse stick and the first-mentioned longitudinal stick, a pair of flexible front and rear keel strips attached at their upper and lower edges respectively to the front and rear ends of the longitudinal sticks and means attached to the apex of the rear planing sur face defining element for detachable engagement with the rear end of the firstmentioned longitudinal stick to constitute a common means for stretching the rear planing surface defining element and the keel strips and for maintaining the same in a taut condition- I 13. A, kite including a flexible oblong front planing surface defining element of greater transverse dimension than its longi tudinal dimension and a rear flexible planingsurface defining element of triangular configuration having a straight transverse forward edge of less width than the width of the front planing surface defining ele ment and joining the rear edge of the same, having converging side edges meeting to form an apex;-and a frame consisting of a transverse forward stick attached to the forward edge of the front planing surface defining element, a rear transverse stick attached to the rear edge of the front planing surface defining element and to the front edge of the rear planing surface defining element, said frame further including a longitudinal stick having pivotal connection with the center of the rear transverse stick and having detachable connection with the front transverse stick to stretch and maintain the front planing surface defining element taut and to permit when the front transverse stick is detached, the rolling up of said front stick in the front surface defining element to a position parallel to and alongside of the rear transverse stick, whereby said sticks and the rolled element may be swung to a position parallel to and alongside of the longitudinal stick, the said frame also icluding a second longitudinal stick having pivotal connection to the first longitudinal stick at approximately the center of said sticks with the axis of said pivotal con nection at a right angle to the axis of the pivotal connection between the rear transverse stick and the first-mentioned longitudinal sticlr,'fiexible front and rear keel Lesaooe strips attached at their upper and lower edges respectively to the front and rear ends of the longitudinal. strips, and means attached to the apex of the rear planing surface defining element for detachable cngagcment with the rear end of thc first-mentioned longitudinal stick to constitute a cominon means for stretching the rear planing surface defining element and the keel strips and for maintaining the same in a taut condition, the said latter means serving when the kite is folded. collapsed and rollcd with the rear r-nrface defining clcn'icnt finally wrapped about the remaining clcmcnts. to embrace and maintain the kite in rolled-up condition.

1-1. A kite including a flexible oblong front planing surface defining clement of greater transvcrse dimension than its longitudinal dimension and a roar flexible planing surface defining element of triangular configuration having a straight transverse forward edge of loss length than the width of the fr pia ing surface defining clomcnt and oining the rear edge of the same, having converging side or res meeting to form an apex: a frame consisting of a trans verse forward stick attached to the forward edge of the front planing surface defining element, a rear transverse stick attachcd to the rear edge of the front planing rurfai-c defining elcment and to the front edge of the rear planing surface defining clement, said frame further including a longitudinal stick having pivotal connection with the center of the rear transverse stick and having detachable connection with the front transverse stick to stretch and maintain the front planing surface defining element taut and to permit when the front transverse stick is detached, the rolling up of said front stick in the front surface defining element to a posi tion parallel to and alongside of the rear transverse stick whereby said sticks and the rolled element may be swung to a position parallel to and alongside the longitudinal stick, the said frame further including a second longitudinal stick having pivotal connection with the first longitudinal stick at approximately the center of said sticks with the axis of said pivotal connection at a right angle to the axis of the pivotal connection between the rear transverse stick and the first-mentioned longitudinal stick, flexible front and rear keel strips attached at their upper and lower edges respectively to the front and rear ends of the longitudinal sticks, and means attached to the apex of the rear planing surface defining element for detachable engagement with the rear end of the first-n'ientioncd longitudinal stick to constitute a common means for stretching the rear planing surface defining element and the keel strips and for maintaining the same in a tautcondition, and a bridle consisting lltl iii

Lesaons of an elongated flexible element attached to the forward edge of the second-mentioned longitudinal stick and to the firstanentioned longitudinal stick between its pivot and its rear end to exert, when flying, a pull on the said longitudinal sticks on a direction to assist in maintaining the rear planing surface defining element and the keel strips in a taut condition.

15. A. kite including a frame comprising a pair of long tudinal sticks having pivotal connection, a transverse stick having pivotal connection with one of the longitudinal sticks, with the axis of said latter pivotal connection disposed at an angle to the axis of the former pivotal connection, whereby to permit of the disposal of the transverse stick alongside of and parallel to the longitudinal sticks when the kite is collapsed.

16. A kite including a frame comprising a pair of longitudinal sticks having pivotal connection, a rear transverse stick having pivotal connection with one of the longitudinal sticks, with the axis of said latter pivotal connection disposed at an angle to the axis of the former pivotal connection, whereby to permit of the disposal of the transverse stick alongside of and parallel to the longitudi-- nal sticks when the kite is collapsed, a fieizible planing surface defining element at tached along its rear edge to said rear transverse stick, a forward transverse stick attached to the front edge of said planing surface defining element, detachable means of connect-ion between the front transverse stick and the longitudinal stick to which the rear stick is pivoted, for stretching and maintaining the planing surface defining element taut.

17'. A kite including a frame comprising a pair of longitudinal sticks having pivotal connection, a rear transverse stick having pivotal connection with one of the longitudinal sticks, with the axis of said latter pivotal connection disposed at an angle to the axis of the former pivotal connection whereby to permit of the disposal of the transverse stick alongside of and parallel to the longitudinal sticks when the kite is collapsed, a flexible planing surface defining element attached along its rear edge to said rear transverse stick, a forward transverse stick attached to the front edge of Said planing surface defining element, detachable means of connection between the front transverse stick and the longitudinal stick to which the rear stick is pivoted, for stretching and maintaining the planing surface defining elementtaut, and flexible front and rear keel strips attached along opposite edges respectively, adjacent the front and rear ends of the longitudinal sticks.

FRANK. UWENS. 

